Arm lifter

[Gray Hare]

In a back issue of Scroll Saw Work Shop, I noted mention of "Jim Dandy EZ-Lift Arm lifter" attachment for a DeWalt. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with this add-on - pros & cons

[greatdane2]

I have the Dewalt saw, and just use a 6" long 2x4 that sits beside the saw. As I release the tension and upper holder I twist in the wood to lift the upper arm. Cheap and works great.

Alan.

[Pajaro]

? ?

[Plaquerd]

I have no need for any type of lifting/holding device. I top feed, release the bottom blade clamp and use my left hand to lift the upper arm of the saw, my left forearm for support, my right hand to maneuver the piece around and to reenter the blade in the pilot hole. Do a lot of fret work and found this to be the easiest method for me. Been doing for so long I don't even think about it while cutting.

[Wood Dog]

Here is a photo of it Pete

[AKAkopa]

My Dewalt came with the Jim Dandy on it and I really think it works great. Never tried the Dewalt without one so I can't really tell you how much a difference there actually is but I think it is a good option.

[guitarman]

I used my Dewalt for a while without a lift and I didn't know what I was missing until I got one. I wouldn't be without it. It works great and anyone would love it. All you have to do is try it and you won't be without one again. David

[Janette]

I think if you do fret work it would be invaluable as it holds the arm up on it's own so you can focus on trying to find the hole to thread the blade through. I have one on mine and fine it quite handy. It doesn't cost much and it's there when you need it (plus it gives me something to strap the dust collection hose to!)
You can get them at Woodcraft.

[core-eagle]

I put one on each of my DeWalts and haven't regretted it. Not that expensive and I feel worth the price.

Tim

[lucky788scroller]

If you are a top feeder, you wont find much value in a easy-lift, because as Dave explained above, its a quick process of lifting your blade out,guiding it through the next hole, and lowering the blade.For that, its not really needed. However if you are a bottom feeder, you will find this a priceless addition to your saw, because as you are rethreading your blade through the next hole, having the arm raised until you are ready to reclamp is almost a necessity. A couple definitions in case you are unfamiliar with the terms.. Top feeder: one who when threading the blade through holes for fretwork releases the blade from the bottom clamp, and feeds the blade DOWN through the hole and reclamps. Bottom Feeder : one who releases the blade from the top clamp, and lifts the workpiece some and feeds the blade UP through the wood from the bottomside, and reclamps into the top clamp.Depending on how you feed your blade is up to you on the yella saw.I myself am a bottom feeder as thats the way I first did it. When I tried doing it the other way, it just seemed awkward to me, and the blade binding in the hole as I tried putting it down through from the top just seemed to be more hassle then it was worth.I typically drill the teeniest hole I can, or have available, and pushing a blade through proved tough to do because the teeth were trying to fight me.As Janette stated, the cost of it is really not to much, so having it on the saw for when you do need it is a good investment in my opinion. I have the Easy-Lift on two of my yella saws and will eventually put one on my 3rd yella saw I use for traveling sawdust therapy.The folks at Jim Dandy Products are very nice people to deal with, their customer service is outstanding as well.